The works of Ādi Śaṅkarācārya

Viṣṇusahasranāmastotram

Verse 524

सत्त्ववान्सात्त्विकः सत्यः सत्यधर्मपरायणः ।अभिप्रायः प्रियार्होऽर्हः प्रियकृत्प्रीतिवर्धनः ॥ १०६ ॥शौर्यवीर्यादिकं सत्त्वमस्येति सत्त्ववान् ।सत्त्वे गुणे प्राधान्येन स्थित इति सात्त्विकः ।सत्सु साधुत्वात् सत्यः ।सत्ये यथाभूतार्थकथने धर्मे च चोदनालक्षणे नियत इति सत्यधर्मपरायणः ।अभिप्रेयते पुरुषार्थकामिभिः, आभिमुख्येन प्रलयेऽस्मिन्प्रैति जगदिति वा अभिप्रायः ।प्रियाणि इष्टान्यर्हतीति प्रियार्हः, 'यद्यदिष्टतमं लोके यच्चास्य दयितं गृहे ।तत्तद्गुणवते देयं तदेवाक्षयमिच्छता' इति स्मरणात् ।स्वागतासनप्रशंसार्घ्यपाद्यस्तुतिनमस्कारादिभिः पूजासाधनैः

In plain words

The Supreme is the embodiment of pure existence, luminous, true, and steadfast in sacred law. He is the ultimate destination, worthy of our deepest love and adoration, the doer of good who multiplies our joy. He is named Sattvavān because pure power belongs to him, and Sāttvika because his nature rests wholly in luminosity. He is Satya because of his supreme goodness, and Satyadharmaparāyaṇa because he upholds absolute truth and sacred duty. He is Abhiprāya because seekers long for him, and into him the entire universe dissolves when creation ends. He is Priyārha because he alone is worthy of our most cherished offerings, as the wise declare that what is dearest in the world must be offered to the worthy by those who seek the eternal. Through every act of heartfelt hospitality, praise, and reverence, he is adored.

Close to the Sanskrit

Possessor of pure existence, pure, true, devoted to true dharma, goal, worthy of dear things, worshipful, doer of good, enhancer of joy. He is called Sattvavān because supreme power is his. Sāttvika because he is established predominantly in the sattva quality. Satya because he is good among the good. Satyadharmaparāyaṇa because he is steadfast in truthful speaking and scriptural dharma. Abhiprāya because he is desired by seekers of human goals, and because the universe goes forth into him during dissolution. Priyārha because he deserves dear things, as remembered: 'Whatever is most desired in the world... should be given to the qualified one by one desiring imperishable merit.' By means of welcome, seats, praise, arghya, pādya, stuti, and salutation as instruments of worship.